MED9901

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 26 January 1999 at 2.00 pm

PRESENT

Mr Roderick Macdonald (Chairman)

Mr Donald A Mackay

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mrs Christina McNeill

Mr Alasdair Nicholson

Mr David Blaney

Mr Angus M Graham

Capt Roderick Mackinnon

Mr Alasdair G Macrae

Rev Donald Macdonald

Mr Callum I Macmillan

Rev Joseph Toal

Mr Iain Macsween

Rev John Macleod

Mr Finlay Morrison

Rev Andrew Coghill

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Philip Harding

Mr Donald Macdonald

Mr Duncan N Macleod

MINUTES

Education Committee

E02.01

1

The Minute of Meeting of 17 November 1998 was approved.

Education Sub-Committee

Education Sub-Committee

Education Sub-Committee

2

3*

4

The Minute of Meetings of the Education Sub-Committee of 12 November at 9.00 am was noted.

The Minute of Meeting of Education Sub-Committee of 12 November 1998 at 3.00 pm was submitted.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at item 26 of the Minute.

The Minute of Meeting of Education Sub-Committee of 1 December 1998 was noted.

Lews Castle School and Nicolson Institute Working Party

E08.12

Lews Castle School and Nicolson Institute Working Party

E08.12

5

6*

The Minute of Meeting of the Lews Castle School and Nicolson Institute Working Party of 1 December 1998 was noted.

The Minute of Meeting of Lews Castle School and Nicolson Institute Working Party of 18 December 1998 was submitted.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at item 12 of the Minute, subject to such alterations made during consideration of item 9 below.

Mr Roderick Macdonald, seconded by Mr Donald A Mackay, moved approval of the recommendations at item 10 of the Minute of the Meeting of the Combined Lews Castle School and Nicolson Institute Working Party of 18 December 1998, subject to the deletion of the whole paragraph at point (2) and the insertion at (2) of the following:

that the Referendum be held as a matter of urgency in order that the name of the School does not become a long term distraction to the real issue of putting in place the highest possible quality of educational provision, guaranteeing the ethos of both the Lews Castle School and The Nicolson Institute and that it be delegated to the Returning Officer to determine the question to be asked and to make all arrangements for the Referendum through the Electoral Reform Society.

Mr Callum I Macmillan, seconded by Mr Alasdair Nicholson, moved as an amendment that the Comhairle do not proceed with a Referendum and retain the name of The Nicolson Institute as the name of the new Combined School.

The Chairman ruled that the amendment would require the suspension of Standing Orders.

It was agreed to suspend Standing Order 67.

On a vote being taken by roll call, there voted as follows:

Motion Amendment

Mr Roderick Macdonald Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Donald A Mackay Mr Alasdair Nicholson

Mr Angus M Graham Mr Alasdair G Macrae

Mr Finlay Morrison Mr Callum I Macmillan

Mr Donald M Mackay Mr Iain Macsween

Mr Donald Macdonald Rev John Macleod

Mr David Blaney Rev Donald Macdonald

Capt Roderick Mackinnon Mr Philip Harding

Rev Andrew Coghill Mr Duncan N Macleod

Rev Joseph Toal

The Chairman declared the motion carried.

The Chairman ruled in terms of Standing Order 8 that the following four items be considered as a matter of urgency in order that the necessary consultation could be undertaken prior to appointments being made to senior posts within the combined school.

Lews Castle School and Nicolson Institute Working Party

E08.12

Lews Castle School and Nicolson Institute Working Party

E08.12

7*

8*

The Minute of Meeting of the Lews Castle School and Nicolson Institute Working Party of 15 January 1999 was submitted.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at item 5 of the Minute, subject to any alterations being made during consideration of item 9 below.

The Minute of Meeting of the Lews Castle School and Nicolson Institute Working Party of 21 January 1999 was submitted.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at item 9 of the Minute, subject to any alterations being made during consideration of item 9 below.

Lews Castle School and Nicolson Institute Working Party

E08.12

9*

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report in relation to the Comhairle's decision concerning the combination of Lews Castle School and The Nicolson Institute and outlining a proposed Consultation exercise. A draft implementation framework as a basis for consultation with Trade Unions and potentially displaced employees was enclosed.

It was agreed to recommend that the Implementation Framework appended to the Report by the Director of Corporate Services as a basis for consultation with affected employees and appropriate trade unions, be approved on the basis that consideration of the outcome of the consultation exercise be remitted to the Education Sub-Committee, with powers.

The Committee unanimously agreed in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration that the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers in light of the need to achieve the timetable detailed in the Implementation Framework and therefore expeditous appointments to the posts concerned be made, on the basis that this recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy decision of the Comhairle.

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the Combined Lews Castle School and The Nicolson Institute proposing leeting and interview arrangements for the appointment of a Head Teacher of the Combined School. The background to the matter was outlined together with a consideration of a possible permanent appointment or a fixed term appointment.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the action of the Director of Education and Leisure Services in deciding not to exercise his delegated authority in the arrangements for the appointment of the Head Teacher of the Combined School be noted;

(2) the appointments to the Posts of Head Teacher and Depute Head Teacher (2) be of a fixed term nature; and

(3) the recommendation at (2) above be approved as a basis for consultation.

School Board Appointments Committee

E08

10

The Minute of Meeting of the School Board Appointments Committee of 8 January 1999 was noted.

Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff

E08.05

11*

The Minute of Meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff of 6 October 1998 was submitted.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at Item 28 of the Minute.

Education and Transportation Joint Consultative Committee

E08

12

The Minute of Meeting of the Education and Transportation Joint Consultative Committee of 11 December 1998 was noted.

Gaelic Development Sub-Committee

E08

Gaelic Development Sub-Committee

E08

13*

14

The Minute of Meeting of the Gaelic Development Sub-Committee of 19 November 1998 was submitted.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at Items 28 and 31 of the Minute.

The Minute of Meeting of the Gaelic Development Sub-Committee of 22 December 1998 was noted.

Lochs School Sub-Committee

E08

15*

The Minute of Meeting of the Lochs School Sub-Committee of 2 December 1998 was submitted.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at item 9 of the Minute.

FINANCE

AEF Announcement, Policy Framework and Budget Strategy 1999/2000

PR110.03.25

16*

With reference to Item 139 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 November 1998, the Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the final Aggregate External Finance (AEF) announcement and outlining a revised budget strategy for 1999-2000. Details of the AEF settlement were appended to the Report together with changes in Grant Aided Expenditure. Comments on the effect of the AEF settlement, the 1998/99 budgetary performance and movements in reserves, balances and the contingency fund were outlined in the Report. Policy issues arising which required to be addressed by the Comhairle in the budgetary profiles were detailed in the Report.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance, insofar as the Committee's interests was concerned.

Growth and Savings Proposals for the 1999/2000 Budget:: Revised

PR110.03.25

17*

The Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing revised growth and savings proposals for consideration as part of the 1999/2000 budgetary process.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned.

Draft Budget Book 1999/2000

PR110.03.25

18*

The Director of Finance submitted a Draft Budget Book for the financial year 1999/2000 detailing income and revenue expenditure budgeted for each of the Comhairle's services in the financial year 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned.

Capital Works Programme and Progress

E03

19

With reference to Item 140 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 November 1998 the Director of Technical Services submitted the Capital Works Programme and Progress Report for education properties.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Asset Management Plan - Progress

E03

20

With reference to item 68 of the Minute of Meeting of 9 June 1998 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the progress to date in the preparation of the Asset Management Plan for school buildings.

It was agreed to note the Report.

It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the Press and Public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds defined in Standing Order 26(f), namely, that information relating to the financial or business affairs of a particular person other than the Comhairle would be disclosed.

Lionacleit Wind Turbine

E02.58

21*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the condition of the Wind Turbine at Sgoil Lionacleit, and the options available to make it serviceable. The Report indicated that the Wind Turbine required repair to prevent it deteriorating into an unsafe condition. The Report outlined the various options available.

It was agreed to recommend that the transfer over of the Wind Turbine to Mr Charlie Robb on terms and conditions to be determined by the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Technical Services, Director of Education and Leisure Services and Director of Finance, be approved.

EDUCATIONAL PROVISION

School Targets: Standard and Higher Grade

E01

22

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the targets agreed with schools in relation to Standard Grade and Higher Grade, and the current performance against these targets. The background to the matter was outlined.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Designation of Schools as Gaelic Schools

E01

23

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the progress made in relation to the designation of certain schools as Gaelic schools. It was stated that consultation meetings would take place in appropriate schools this term.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services designate the following schools as Gaelic Schools: Breasclete and Carloway.

New Community Schools: Update

E02

24*

With reference to Item 148 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 November 1998 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the current situation with regard to the provision of new Community Schools. The background to the matter was outlined.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the contents of the Report be noted; and

(2) the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to submit an application for one project should the funding available from the Excellence Fund and other services prove sufficient to support the bid.

The Committee unanimously agreed in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration that the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers in light of the need of the deadlines which were required to be met for the submission, on the basis that this recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy decision of the Comhairle.

Consultation Document: Excellence Fund Special Programme - Specialist Provision in Schools

E01

25*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the Consultation Document: Excellence Fund Special Programme - Specialist Provision in Schools. The Report indicated the range of issues and the proposed responses to the Consultation Document.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the contents of the Consultation Document be noted; and

(2) the Report, be approved as the Comhairle's response to the document.

Marking the Millennium in Western Isles Schools

E01

26

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the various proposals which had been received from schools concerning ways in which the Millennium might be appropriately recognised in schools. The Report listed various ways in which both the Comhairle and the schools themselves could undertake activities to celebrate the Millennium.

It was agreed to note:

(1) the contents of the Report;

(2) that the Director of Education and Leisure Services would submit the Report to the JCC Teaching Staff for consideration; and

(3) that a further Report would be presented to the Committee.

Communities: Change Through Learning

E01

27*

With reference to Item 126 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 September 1998 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the report of a Ministerial Working Group on the future of Community Education. Presentations on the COSLA Consultation Paper and the Ministerial Working Group on the future of Community Education were made at the Meeting.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the report of the Working Group be noted; and

(2) it be noted that the Best Value Review of Community Education would consider both the COSLA Consultation Paper on Future Development of Local Authority Community Education in Scotland and the Ministerial Report entitled "Communities Change Through Learning."

Western Isles Child Care Partnership

E01.02.06

28

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the forthcoming inaugural meeting of the Western Isles Child Care Partnership. The composition of the Partnership was included in the Report.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Employment of Children: Proposed Bye-Laws

E07

29*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Joint Report concerning the terms of the Scottish Office Education and Industry Department Circular 3/1998, The Children (Protection at Work) Regulations 1998 and to consider making new bye-laws for the employment of children.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to take all the necessary action in order to ensure that bye-laws in similar terms to those shown in Appendix A to the Joint Report by the Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Director of Corporate Services be presented to the Secretary of State for confirmation in terms of Section 202 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973; and

(2) the existing bye-laws made by the Western Isles Islands Council on 7 February 1980 and confirmed by the Scottish Office's Education Department on 27 June 1980 cease to have effect when the new bye-laws have been promulgated.

Use of "Langwell", West Tarbert for Fire Fighting Training Purposes

E05

30*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report seeking authority to offer "Langwell" in West Tarbert to the Highlands and Islands Fire Brigade for fire fighter training purposes. The background to the matter was outlined.

It was agreed to recommend that "Langwell" in West Tarbert be offered to the Highlands and Islands Fire Brigade for fire fighter training purposes on such terms and conditions as agreed by the Director of Corporate Services and the Director of Education and Leisure Services, ensuring that the Comhairle is not exposed to legal liability.

Former School at Lochboisdale, South Uist

E02.55

31*

With reference to Item 100 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 August 1998 the Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Joint Report concerning the progress by Uist 2000 in the preparation of a feasibility study, design and costings for the development of the former school at Lochboisdale, South Uist.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the anticipated timescale for completion of the feasibility study be noted; and

(2) the Director of Education and Leisure Services and Director of Corporate Services submit a further Report to the Committee in August 1999.

Croileagan Breascleit: New Build Project for Pre-School Provision

E01.02.06

32*

With reference to Item 70 of the Minute of Meeting of 11 June 1998 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report proposing that an `in principle' decision be taken to grant a lease of Comhairle owned land behind Breasclete School to Croileagan Bhreascleit to enable this body to erect a permanent facility for pre-school provision.

It was agreed to recommend, in principle, that::

(1) the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to lease 150 square metres of land within the curtilage of Breasclete School be granted to Croileagan Bhreascleit for an initial period of 25 years with the option of renewal thereafter to enable them to establish pre-school facilities; and

(2) when the proposals reach a more advanced stage the rent level be negotiated.

Reports Outstanding: Progress

33

With reference to Item 153 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 November 1998, the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Committee.

It was agreed to note the Report.

___

PRESENT	Mr Roderick Macdonald (Chairman)
	Mr Donald A Mackay
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mrs Christina McNeill
	Mr Alasdair Nicholson	Mr David Blaney
	Mr Angus M Graham	Capt Roderick Mackinnon
	Mr Alasdair G Macrae	Rev Donald Macdonald
	Mr Callum I Macmillan	Rev Joseph Toal
	Mr Iain Macsween	Rev John Macleod
	Mr Finlay Morrison	Rev Andrew Coghill
	Mr Donald M Mackay	Mr Philip Harding
	Mr Donald Macdonald	Mr Duncan N Macleod

		MINUTES
Education Committee E02.01	1	The Minute of Meeting of 17 November 1998 was approved.
Education Sub-Committee Education Sub-Committee Education Sub-Committee	2 3* 4	The Minute of Meetings of the Education Sub-Committee of 12 November at 9.00 am was noted. The Minute of Meeting of Education Sub-Committee of 12 November 1998 at 3.00 pm was submitted. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at item 26 of the Minute. The Minute of Meeting of Education Sub-Committee of 1 December 1998 was noted.
Lews Castle School and Nicolson Institute Working Party E08.12 Lews Castle School and Nicolson Institute Working Party E08.12	5 6*	The Minute of Meeting of the Lews Castle School and Nicolson Institute Working Party of 1 December 1998 was noted. The Minute of Meeting of Lews Castle School and Nicolson Institute Working Party of 18 December 1998 was submitted. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at item 12 of the Minute, subject to such alterations made during consideration of item 9 below.
		Mr Roderick Macdonald, seconded by Mr Donald A Mackay, moved approval of the recommendations at item 10 of the Minute of the Meeting of the Combined Lews Castle School and Nicolson Institute Working Party of 18 December 1998, subject to the deletion of the whole paragraph at point (2) and the insertion at (2) of the following: that the Referendum be held as a matter of urgency in order that the name of the School does not become a long term distraction to the real issue of putting in place the highest possible quality of educational provision, guaranteeing the ethos of both the Lews Castle School and The Nicolson Institute and that it be delegated to the Returning Officer to determine the question to be asked and to make all arrangements for the Referendum through the Electoral Reform Society.
		Mr Callum I Macmillan, seconded by Mr Alasdair Nicholson, moved as an amendment that the Comhairle do not proceed with a Referendum and retain the name of The Nicolson Institute as the name of the new Combined School.
		The Chairman ruled that the amendment would require the suspension of Standing Orders. It was agreed to suspend Standing Order 67. On a vote being taken by roll call, there voted as follows: Motion Amendment Mr Roderick Macdonald Mr Alexander A Macdonald Mr Donald A Mackay Mr Alasdair Nicholson Mr Angus M Graham Mr Alasdair G Macrae Mr Finlay Morrison Mr Callum I Macmillan Mr Donald M Mackay Mr Iain Macsween Mr Donald Macdonald Rev John Macleod Mr David Blaney Rev Donald Macdonald Capt Roderick Mackinnon Mr Philip Harding Rev Andrew Coghill Mr Duncan N Macleod Rev Joseph Toal
		The Chairman declared the motion carried.
		The Chairman ruled in terms of Standing Order 8 that the following four items be considered as a matter of urgency in order that the necessary consultation could be undertaken prior to appointments being made to senior posts within the combined school.
Lews Castle School and Nicolson Institute Working Party E08.12 Lews Castle School and Nicolson Institute Working Party E08.12	7* 8*	The Minute of Meeting of the Lews Castle School and Nicolson Institute Working Party of 15 January 1999 was submitted. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at item 5 of the Minute, subject to any alterations being made during consideration of item 9 below. The Minute of Meeting of the Lews Castle School and Nicolson Institute Working Party of 21 January 1999 was submitted. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at item 9 of the Minute, subject to any alterations being made during consideration of item 9 below.
Lews Castle School and Nicolson Institute Working Party E08.12	9*	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report in relation to the Comhairle's decision concerning the combination of Lews Castle School and The Nicolson Institute and outlining a proposed Consultation exercise. A draft implementation framework as a basis for consultation with Trade Unions and potentially displaced employees was enclosed. It was agreed to recommend that the Implementation Framework appended to the Report by the Director of Corporate Services as a basis for consultation with affected employees and appropriate trade unions, be approved on the basis that consideration of the outcome of the consultation exercise be remitted to the Education Sub-Committee, with powers.
		The Committee unanimously agreed in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration that the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers in light of the need to achieve the timetable detailed in the Implementation Framework and therefore expeditous appointments to the posts concerned be made, on the basis that this recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy decision of the Comhairle.
		The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the Combined Lews Castle School and The Nicolson Institute proposing leeting and interview arrangements for the appointment of a Head Teacher of the Combined School. The background to the matter was outlined together with a consideration of a possible permanent appointment or a fixed term appointment.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the action of the Director of Education and Leisure Services in deciding not to exercise his delegated authority in the arrangements for the appointment of the Head Teacher of the Combined School be noted; (2) the appointments to the Posts of Head Teacher and Depute Head Teacher (2) be of a fixed term nature; and (3) the recommendation at (2) above be approved as a basis for consultation.
School Board Appointments Committee E08	10	The Minute of Meeting of the School Board Appointments Committee of 8 January 1999 was noted.
Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff E08.05	11*	The Minute of Meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee: Teaching Staff of 6 October 1998 was submitted. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at Item 28 of the Minute.
Education and Transportation Joint Consultative Committee E08	12	The Minute of Meeting of the Education and Transportation Joint Consultative Committee of 11 December 1998 was noted.
Gaelic Development Sub-Committee E08 Gaelic Development Sub-Committee E08	13* 14	The Minute of Meeting of the Gaelic Development Sub-Committee of 19 November 1998 was submitted. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at Items 28 and 31 of the Minute. The Minute of Meeting of the Gaelic Development Sub-Committee of 22 December 1998 was noted.
Lochs School Sub-Committee E08	15*	The Minute of Meeting of the Lochs School Sub-Committee of 2 December 1998 was submitted. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations at item 9 of the Minute.

		FINANCE
AEF Announcement, Policy Framework and Budget Strategy 1999/2000 PR110.03.25	16*	With reference to Item 139 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 November 1998, the Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the final Aggregate External Finance (AEF) announcement and outlining a revised budget strategy for 1999-2000. Details of the AEF settlement were appended to the Report together with changes in Grant Aided Expenditure. Comments on the effect of the AEF settlement, the 1998/99 budgetary performance and movements in reserves, balances and the contingency fund were outlined in the Report. Policy issues arising which required to be addressed by the Comhairle in the budgetary profiles were detailed in the Report.
		It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance, insofar as the Committee's interests was concerned.
Growth and Savings Proposals for the 1999/2000 Budget:: Revised PR110.03.25	17*	The Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing revised growth and savings proposals for consideration as part of the 1999/2000 budgetary process. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned.
Draft Budget Book 1999/2000 PR110.03.25	18*	The Director of Finance submitted a Draft Budget Book for the financial year 1999/2000 detailing income and revenue expenditure budgeted for each of the Comhairle's services in the financial year 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000.
		It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned.
Capital Works Programme and Progress E03	19	With reference to Item 140 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 November 1998 the Director of Technical Services submitted the Capital Works Programme and Progress Report for education properties. It was agreed to note the Report.
Asset Management Plan - Progress E03	20	With reference to item 68 of the Minute of Meeting of 9 June 1998 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the progress to date in the preparation of the Asset Management Plan for school buildings. It was agreed to note the Report.
		It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the Press and Public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds defined in Standing Order 26(f), namely, that information relating to the financial or business affairs of a particular person other than the Comhairle would be disclosed.
Lionacleit Wind Turbine E02.58	21*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the condition of the Wind Turbine at Sgoil Lionacleit, and the options available to make it serviceable. The Report indicated that the Wind Turbine required repair to prevent it deteriorating into an unsafe condition. The Report outlined the various options available. It was agreed to recommend that the transfer over of the Wind Turbine to Mr Charlie Robb on terms and conditions to be determined by the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Technical Services, Director of Education and Leisure Services and Director of Finance, be approved.
		EDUCATIONAL PROVISION
School Targets: Standard and Higher Grade E01	22	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the targets agreed with schools in relation to Standard Grade and Higher Grade, and the current performance against these targets. The background to the matter was outlined. It was agreed to note the Report.
Designation of Schools as Gaelic Schools E01	23	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the progress made in relation to the designation of certain schools as Gaelic schools. It was stated that consultation meetings would take place in appropriate schools this term. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services designate the following schools as Gaelic Schools: Breasclete and Carloway.
New Community Schools: Update E02	24*	With reference to Item 148 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 November 1998 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the current situation with regard to the provision of new Community Schools. The background to the matter was outlined.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the contents of the Report be noted; and (2) the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to submit an application for one project should the funding available from the Excellence Fund and other services prove sufficient to support the bid.
		The Committee unanimously agreed in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration that the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers in light of the need of the deadlines which were required to be met for the submission, on the basis that this recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy decision of the Comhairle.
Consultation Document: Excellence Fund Special Programme - Specialist Provision in Schools E01	25*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the Consultation Document: Excellence Fund Special Programme - Specialist Provision in Schools. The Report indicated the range of issues and the proposed responses to the Consultation Document. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the contents of the Consultation Document be noted; and (2) the Report, be approved as the Comhairle's response to the document.
Marking the Millennium in Western Isles Schools E01	26	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the various proposals which had been received from schools concerning ways in which the Millennium might be appropriately recognised in schools. The Report listed various ways in which both the Comhairle and the schools themselves could undertake activities to celebrate the Millennium. It was agreed to note: (1) the contents of the Report; (2) that the Director of Education and Leisure Services would submit the Report to the JCC Teaching Staff for consideration; and (3) that a further Report would be presented to the Committee.
Communities: Change Through Learning E01	27*	With reference to Item 126 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 September 1998 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the report of a Ministerial Working Group on the future of Community Education. Presentations on the COSLA Consultation Paper and the Ministerial Working Group on the future of Community Education were made at the Meeting. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the report of the Working Group be noted; and (2) it be noted that the Best Value Review of Community Education would consider both the COSLA Consultation Paper on Future Development of Local Authority Community Education in Scotland and the Ministerial Report entitled "Communities Change Through Learning."
Western Isles Child Care Partnership E01.02.06	28	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the forthcoming inaugural meeting of the Western Isles Child Care Partnership. The composition of the Partnership was included in the Report. It was agreed to note the Report.
Employment of Children: Proposed Bye-Laws E07	29*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Joint Report concerning the terms of the Scottish Office Education and Industry Department Circular 3/1998, The Children (Protection at Work) Regulations 1998 and to consider making new bye-laws for the employment of children.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to take all the necessary action in order to ensure that bye-laws in similar terms to those shown in Appendix A to the Joint Report by the Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Director of Corporate Services be presented to the Secretary of State for confirmation in terms of Section 202 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973; and (2) the existing bye-laws made by the Western Isles Islands Council on 7 February 1980 and confirmed by the Scottish Office's Education Department on 27 June 1980 cease to have effect when the new bye-laws have been promulgated.
Use of "Langwell", West Tarbert for Fire Fighting Training Purposes E05	30*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report seeking authority to offer "Langwell" in West Tarbert to the Highlands and Islands Fire Brigade for fire fighter training purposes. The background to the matter was outlined. It was agreed to recommend that "Langwell" in West Tarbert be offered to the Highlands and Islands Fire Brigade for fire fighter training purposes on such terms and conditions as agreed by the Director of Corporate Services and the Director of Education and Leisure Services, ensuring that the Comhairle is not exposed to legal liability.
Former School at Lochboisdale, South Uist E02.55	31*	With reference to Item 100 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 August 1998 the Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Joint Report concerning the progress by Uist 2000 in the preparation of a feasibility study, design and costings for the development of the former school at Lochboisdale, South Uist. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the anticipated timescale for completion of the feasibility study be noted; and (2) the Director of Education and Leisure Services and Director of Corporate Services submit a further Report to the Committee in August 1999.
Croileagan Breascleit: New Build Project for Pre-School Provision E01.02.06	32*	With reference to Item 70 of the Minute of Meeting of 11 June 1998 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report proposing that an `in principle' decision be taken to grant a lease of Comhairle owned land behind Breasclete School to Croileagan Bhreascleit to enable this body to erect a permanent facility for pre-school provision. It was agreed to recommend, in principle, that:: (1) the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to lease 150 square metres of land within the curtilage of Breasclete School be granted to Croileagan Bhreascleit for an initial period of 25 years with the option of renewal thereafter to enable them to establish pre-school facilities; and (2) when the proposals reach a more advanced stage the rent level be negotiated.
Reports Outstanding: Progress	33	With reference to Item 153 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 November 1998, the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Committee. It was agreed to note the Report.